Actor Ron Ely, best known for playing Tarzan in the 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86. His later years were marked by devastating tragedy, following the violent de*ths of his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, and their son, Cameron Ely. The loss capped a long and complicated chapter in the life of a man once celebrated for his heroic on-screen persona.
Ron Ely rose to fame portraying the jungle hero Tarzan in the NBC series that aired from 1966 to 1968. Athletic, charismatic, and strikingly handsome, he embodied the adventurous energy of the role, performing many of his own stunts and earning a reputation as a real-life action star. Beyond Tarzan, he appeared in a variety of television shows and films, and later found a second career as a host, notably presiding over the Miss America pageant in 1980 and 1981. By the early 2000s, he had largely retired from acting, living a quieter life with his family in Santa Barbara, California.
That peace was shattered in October 2019, when Ely’s wife of 35 years, Valerie Lundeen, was k*lled at their home. Valerie, a former flight attendant and beauty queen, was found dead at the age of 62 after being stabbed multiple times. The attacker was identified as their son, 30-year-old Cameron Ely. Police were called to the family residence in the upscale Hope Ranch area after receiving a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, they discovered Valerie’s body inside the home.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, deputies located Cameron outside the house shortly afterward. Authorities stated that he was considered a threat and that deputies fired multiple shots after being unable to gain control of the situation verbally. Cameron was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office later released a statement confirming that Ron Ely had been present in the home but was unharmed. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation following the trauma of the incident.
Valerie Lundeen’s life had been marked by grace and accomplishment long before the tragedy. In 1980, she was crowned Miss Airline International, a beauty pageant for flight attendants. The following year, she went on to win Miss Florida USA and competed for the national Miss USA title. Her future husband, Ron Ely, was also connected to the world of pageantry at that time, serving as host of the Miss America competition in both 1980 and 1981. The two met soon afterward and married in 1984.
Their marriage lasted more than three decades, during which they raised three children—Kirsten, Kaitland, and Cameron. The family enjoyed a close bond and maintained a low public profile despite Ron’s celebrity. In 2018, Ron and Valerie became grandparents for the first time when their daughter Kaitland welcomed a baby boy. Friends and neighbors described Valerie as devoted, warm, and deeply family-oriented—a mother who dedicated herself to raising her children and creating a nurturing home.
The deaths of Valerie and Cameron sent shockwaves through the Santa Barbara community and the entertainment world. In the aftermath, Ron Ely filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, alleging that officers used excessive force when they shot Cameron. Court documents claimed that Cameron had been attempting to surrender and posed no immediate threat when deputies opened fire, reportedly shooting him more than 20 times. The lawsuit further alleged that authorities failed to handle the initial 911 call properly and did not provide adequate medical care after the shooting. The case reignited debate over the use of deadly force by law enforcement, especially in situations involving mental health crises or family violence.
In his later years, Ron largely withdrew from public appearances, focusing on his recovery and maintaining privacy after the dual losses. Though he had long been known for his physical strength and commanding presence, those close to him said the tragedies deeply affected his spirit. Having spent decades in Hollywood and later retreating into a quiet coastal life, Ely’s story became one of both achievement and heartbreaking loss.
Ron Ely’s death in 2025 marks the end of a turbulent but remarkable life. Born in Hereford, Texas, in 1938, he grew up in Amarillo and attended the University of Texas at Austin before heading west to pursue acting. His breakout role as Tarzan came at just 28 years old, and he became one of television’s most recognizable adventure heroes. Unlike earlier portrayals that emphasized Tarzan’s primal nature, Ely’s version of the character was articulate and intelligent—a reflection of the more refined image of the 1960s.
Following Tarzan, Ely appeared in films such as Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975) and guest-starred in numerous television series including Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and Sea Hunt. His on-screen career tapered off in the late 1990s, though he made a brief return in the 2014 television movie Expecting Amish. Outside of acting, he wrote novels, including the 1994 adventure thriller Night Shadows.
Friends and colleagues often described him as disciplined, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his family. His marriage to Valerie was seen as a Hollywood rarity—long-lasting and grounded. In interviews over the years, Ely often spoke about stepping away from fame to prioritize his children and the simple pleasures of life away from Los Angeles.
The tragedy that struck the Ely family in 2019 left an indelible mark on their legacy, a shocking contrast to the wholesome, heroic image that defined Ron’s career. Yet even through profound loss, Ely’s name remained tied to a bygone era of television adventure, a time when heroes swung from vines and the line between courage and vulnerability blurred.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and fellow actors who remembered him not only for his iconic portrayal of Tarzan but for the dignity with which he carried himself through unimaginable personal sorrow. His story is one of talent, endurance, and the fragility of even the strongest among us.
Ron Ely is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland, and his grandchildren. His wife Valerie and son Cameron remain a haunting memory of the personal trials he endured in his later life. For many who grew up watching him conquer the jungle each week on television, Ely will forever remain the embodiment of quiet heroism—both on-screen and off.